Painting Stock GT Rims

[joshjosh619]

I am going to paint my stock BD GT rims and wanted to know what steps other took to do theirs. I have already started the black out process and this is the last blackout. Thanks

[99SUS SFD]

I know people have taken the tires off the car (obviously), let some air out of the tires, and stuck note cards around the perimeter of the wheel to prevent over spray on the tires. But I'd think all you'd need to do would be to sand them down a bit, paint them with a few coats, and clear coat them if you want.

[jg09]

Huffer did this to his own ride. Ask him.

[Huffer]

I got a PM, here's my reply:


i heard that you painted your own rims. i am doing the same and wanted to know what steps you took to do yours. my rims are the stock GT rims on my 98 BD. i appreciate the help

Josh

Prep them well - sand them lightly to ensure a good bonding surface. I didn't worry about repairing imperfections, my car's not a show car!

The snowflake rims are hard to paint - there's so much vertical surface area (the spokes). Make sure you sand EVERYTHING down so that the surface looks dull after washing. Wetsanding works well.

After that, rinse the wheels off and let out a lot of air - that will help when you put the index cards in. Remember to take off the wheel weights - I used a screwdriver from the backside and pried them off. I also washed, degreased and lightly sanded the inside of the wheels. Now is a good time to hit the hub-mount surface with a sander to remove any loose rust etc. Rewash the wheel, dry it off with a lint-free towel.

put painters masking tape over the tire valve stem. Insert the index cards.

In this case I would recommend painting the wheel with it standing upright on a table that you can roll around. This is because the paint cans work best if you are spraying UP, not down. You're going to have to keep rotating the wheel to get even coverage. Start with a LIGHT coat and cover the entire wheel, making sure to get in the corners. Once that's done, leave the wheel for 10mins (or more if the ambient temp is lower than 65deg) and prep another wheel. After 10mins~ hit the wheel with a HEAVY coat - this will give the wheel a glossier finish. Be careful when spraying not to linger too long in one spot or else you'll end up with runs.

Paint should dry and cure within 24-48hrs, maybe faster if your paint room is nice and warm.

Good luck!

[Grafton]

THREAD STEAL ha! :D

as huffer knows i'll be getting his 16" snowflakes that are a nice looking silver

but i am wanting to paint them a good gold (after i get them of course)
I am trying to pull of this color:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/10/subaruimprezawrxsti22bwheel-2.jpg

but not sure what kind of paint i should use?
i also want to leave a silver lip where the weights go but am not sure how to pull that off successfully

[Huffer]

Grafton - don't even bother leaving a lip where the weights are - use the adhesive stick on weights. Much cleaner look.

The gold to use for that is Duplicolor Gold. Easy.

[Grafton]

Grafton - don't even bother leaving a lip where the weights are - use the adhesive stick on weights. Much cleaner look.

The gold to use for that is Duplicolor Gold. Easy.
thanks for the paint suggestion, but the silver "lip" was more for looks than trying to hide weights:D

[joshjosh619]

where can i find the stick on weights? i need to grab some as well

[Grafton]

where can i find the stick on weights? i need to grab some as well

i think you have to ask for them when you get your tires balanced

[Huffer]

where can i find the stick on weights? i need to grab some as well

Any place that balances wheels n tires have them. They shouldn't cost anymore than clip on weights. Walmart has them. I have no idea why more places don't use them.

[rougeben83]

where can i find the stick on weights? i need to grab some as well

Any place that balances wheels n tires have them. They shouldn't cost anymore than clip on weights. Walmart has them. I have no idea why more places don't use them.

they tend to fall off if the surface isn't clean or during track use (combination of heat and rotation).

[joshjosh619]

aight cool preciate it

[Perdue]

Just a tip to keep the stick-on weights from falling off. Clean the surface and weight once you get the car home then take a piece of clear packing tape and put over the weights. It'll help them stay in place and save a lot of trouble. Can't remember how many times I had to go back and have my wheels rebalanced before I started doing that.

[Huffer]

If the surface of the wheel is super clean before you even get balanced, the adhesive sticks better to begin with.

5 sets of wheels, all been through an Ohio winter and summer... no problems with stick ons.

I don't race, but I imagine if you were racing you'd be rebalancing/re-tiring anyway as you'd wear the heck out of your rubber.

[joshjosh619]

yeah i don't thing packing taped would look very good. i know the stick wears away quick also with dusts and the humidity down south